THE budget airline EUjet has collapsed - just four months after starting a route between Belfast International and Kent International Airport.
The airline, which operated to 18 destinations in Europe and the UK, has gone into administration - leaving many passengers stranded abroad.
Both the airline and Kent International Airport at Manston are owned by PlaneStation, whose shares were suspended after its bank withdrew financial
support.
The airline, which operated Fokker 100 aircraft, began flights to Kent from Belfast International Aiport in March, and on the day it ceased operating
(July 26), actually flew the first two services of the day between Belfast and Kent before all future services were cancelled.
In a statement to staff issued on the day of the failure, EUjet Chief Executive PJ McGoldrick said the airline's financial position had worsened
and it had failed to secure further funds from its bank.
He said it was no longer possible to keep Kent International oprational and as a consequence, the company would be seeking voluntary administration for
PlaneStation Group PLC and Kent International Airport, where 500 people are employed.
Meanwhile, two other airlines, Monarch and easyjet, have stepped in with a rescue fee' of £25 to repatriate the passengers stranded abroad following
the collapse of EUJet.
Easyet said customers can claim the £25 flight, which includes taxes, by calling 00 44 870 600000. Passengers must provide their EUJet booking
reference number and present their booking confirmation at check in as further proof of booking. The offer is valid until midnight on August 2.
Monarch Scheduled meanwhile is offering to fly passengers back from airports in Spain and Portugal until August 3 for £25 plux tax. An EUJet itinerary
much be produced.
It is unclear exactly how many passengers are stranded overseas but is thought to be close to 10,000, all or nearly all of them from the UK
Mainland.